Religion vs. science
The age old debate between religion and science has been played out again in a Pennsylvanian courtroom over whether or not ‘intelligent design’ theory should be taught in the science curriculum. For those not aware, it is stated in the United States constitution that there is to be a separation of church and state - which means that religion is not allowed to be taught in any state schools. The judge, John E. Jones III ruled that intelligent design pushes a religious motive in its teachings that life must have been designed by an intelligent source as opposed to Darwin’s theory of evolution. While Judge Jones acknowledged that there were gaps in Darwin’s theory
“However, the fact that a scientific theory cannot yet render an explanation on every point should not be used as a pretext to thrust an untestable alternative hypothesis grounded in religion into the science classroom or to misrepresent well-established scientific propositions.”
And therefore should not be taught in Pennsylvanian state schools as part of the science curriculum.
It was interesting to note how many newspapers picked up this story and a list of some of those that did are listed below. A few papers just reported on the ruling, while others added related articles as a local response to the decision.
The Times (brief article)
Globe and Mail Canada
Gulf News (UAE)
